doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Custom rifle from the mid 1800s

An example of a custom rifle that is 150+ years old, I've been the caretaker of this Rigby for a few years. Recently I decided to see if it was loaded and shootable, when I tried to use the ramrod I discovered it would not enter the barrel, the rod fits the thimbles securely and the brass tip looks like it belongs to the gun. The bore measures .425, the tip is .450. Could there be that much build up in the bore? I beveled the muzzle slightly in case there was a ding or something obstructing it. Whats the best way to go now?

I would use a 3/8" dowel to be sure it is unloaded. The ram rod may be a replacement. Doubt the bore has that much build up. A good cleaning and be sure the nipple is clear. Looks like a fun rifle.copper round balls in ca?

First thing I'd do is pull the nipple and blow air through the threaded hole to ensure there's nothing in the barrel. Once that is done and it's OK, I'd get another ramrod that fits it and use that instead.
Of course I;d clean it also before loading.
I own a bore scope, so I'd run my bore scope down the bore to look at the rifling also, and see what it looks like after cleaning.
Cheap endoscopes are all over Ebay for under $15 and hook to your computer. I paid $13 and have gotten great results with mine for the last couple years. Mine is a 5mm, so fits down even .22 caliber bores.

James,
Very nice rifle. If you can't get the nipple out you should use a small diameter rod like a .22 cal cleaning rod to check down the barrel. If the rifle has a patent breach plug a larger diameter rod will be short stopped at the muzzle end of the breach plug giving the appearance of being loaded. A small rod will drop down into the powder chamber and stop at the plug face.

I've recently been shooting two German percussions guns from the same time frame, one a Jaeger and the other a double cape gun and it is quite enjoyable.

James-I,

There's a good chance a serial number is stamped on the underside of the barrel (covered by the stock). If you (or someone experienced with such arms) can push
the wedge/key and free the barrel - I can most likely provide some historical information - if there is a serial number.

I'm assuming it's a hooked breech gun. If not, the tang screw would have to be removed.
Only someone with the proper fitting screw drivers (hollow ground) and knowledge should do that.

It has a late-1830s to early 1850s look.

The barrel finish is what Rigby called "pickled" - it's an acid etching process. You should be able to 'feel' the Damascus pattern of the barrel.

Steve serial #8554, barrel and lower rib are etched.

Jim A.

James-I

No.8554 was sold to C.W.H. Steward Esq. of Rocklands, Waterford on 14 July 1840.
It is listed as a Second best rifle with a maple stock. The barrel length is 26" and 32-bore.
The rifle cost �16/16/0 - and with the accessories he purchased (powder flask, bullet mould, etc. - the total price was �20/2/0.

That is a bit strange, the barrel length on this gun is 36" and bore measures .42 ( maybe 32 bore is not bore diameter in inches?). I rechecked the serial and it is 8554